Steve Palmer's Joburg Open first-round preview, best bets, free golf tips

Where to watch

Sky Sports Golf, 10am Thursday

Best bets

Romain Langasque to win threeball
2pts 6-5 bet365, Hills

James Hart Du Preez first-round leader
0.5pt each-way 200-1Betfred

First-round preview

Dean Burmester - clear favourite for this week's Joburg Open - has been drawn in the first threeball on the first tee at Randpark Golf Club.

Burmester, unpopular in the market this week, has drifted to 10-1 for the opening event of the new DP World Tour season. Sunrise time in Johannesburg is 5.08am, so Burmester will have plenty of time to prepare for his 6.30am start (4.30am UK and Ireland time). Temperatures of around 13C, light rain and 12mph winds are expected to greet him.

First-round threeball backers are pointed towards Romain Langasque for the 10.20am match. The Frenchman is up against George Coetzee and Keenan Davidse - and has been showing much more long-game control than his playing partners in recent weeks.

Light rain and moderate breezes are forecast for the opening afternoon - and Langasque seems best equipped to handle the conditions. Coetzee finished tied for 59th last time out in the Portugal Masters, which is staged at one of his favourite courses. Langasque was runner-up the last time he played at Randpark GC.

Early-risers should consider the 200-1 available about rising star James Hart Du Preez being first-round leader. Du Preez is out in the first group from the tenth tee at 4.30am UK time. With two par-fives in his first five holes, the most powerful player in the field may be able to ping the lids and settle quickly in the tournament.

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